nehama jayewardene

Tweets personal. RTs ≠endorsements.
Lover of Film, Music. Feminist. Human Rights Lawyer. Eternal Provider of Comic Relief

[Centre for Policy Alternatives Sri Lanka @CPASL]

This #IDAHOBIT2026, we stand in solidarity with every person fighting for the right to live freely and authentically.

Equality is not a privilege — it is a fundamental human right that belongs to everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. When we protect the dignity and rights of all people, we build communities that are more just, inclusive, and resilient. Together, let us work toward a world free from discrimination, fear, and prejudice.

#HumanRights #Equality #lka

[Centre for Policy Alternatives Sri Lanka @CPASL]

CPA is pleased to welcome Nehama Jayewardene as the new Senior Researcher of the Research and Advocacy team!

Nehama brings over two decades of experience spanning civil society, State structures, and the United Nations, where she served as a Human Rights Officer from 2007 to 2025. An Attorney-at-Law with a Masters of Laws (LLM) from the University of Sussex, her expertise spans legal and policy reform, human rights, justice, and accountability.

We are excited to have her insights and passion strengthen our work!

[Mary Lawlor @MaryLawlorhrds]

Shocked that @SecRubio has imposed sanctions against @FranceskAlbs for doing her legitimate human rights work on the #OPT as mandated by UN Human Rights Council. The decision should be immediately reversed.

[Sankhitha Gunaratne @SankhithaG]

https://t.co/i4paMRGlMY

@nimilamalee to say you deserve this would be an understatement!

We forget how much grit & courage it takes to fight corruption & do what you do.

We may not agree with the US's direction, but this is one thing they got right.

I'm so proud of you.

[nehama jayewardene @nehamaj]

Congratulations @nimilamalee . You so deserve this, for all the hard work, grumpy phone calls, lack of smiles on Saturday and most importantly brilliant well researched, comprehensive and consistent work. Rockstar Woman!
https://t.co/slDt8WAhXV

[Volker Türk @volker_turk]

Peace is not merely an absence of war - it is the presence of justice, of law, of good governance. As we navigate rapid technological change, rising conflict and inequality, human rights remain our clearest compass.

[Volker Türk @volker_turk]

All people are born equal - yet people with disabilities continue to face exclusion and discrimination. Technology should drive inclusion, but too often, it deepens inequalities. Cyberbullying is rampant and virulent, even blaming PwDs for society’s ills. This must change. #HRC58

[Ambika Satkunanathan @ambikasat]

8/Govt mustn’t fall into trap of engaging in extra-legal action or increasing militarization. For eg, Prez @anuradisanayake issued gazette per Sec 12 of Public Security, yet again calling out armed forces to maintain public order. Such regressive moves will undermine rule of law.

[Ambika Satkunanathan @ambikasat]

7/The link below sets out many cases of similar deaths in custody/extrajudicial killings, while the infographic contains statistics of such incidents over the last few years. All demonstrate the deep rooted nature of lack of respect for rule of law and abuse of power by police.

[Ambika Satkunanathan @ambikasat]

#ExtrajudicialKillings #SriLanka #NationalSecurity

1/The murder of Ganemulla Sanjeewa, the drive by shooting of Aruna Vidanagamage, who was supposedly involved in organized crime, and his children, amongst other incidents, have sparked concerns about national security.

[Melani Gunathilaka @melanirgk]

Does #CleanSriLanka entails providing approval for EDM parties at protected wetlands? #DiyasaruPark is one of the few sensitive ecosystems left in Colombo and is home to many endemic species that will suffer consequences of this noise pollution. There's still time to stop this!

[António Guterres @antonioguterres]

From day one, the UN has represented the conscience of the world.

We will never lose sight of hope.

Sticking to principles. Speaking the truth. Never giving up.

[Mary Lawlor @MaryLawlorhrds]

Human rights defenders are at the heart of positive change in our societies. In 2024, I met hundreds of them, learning more about their work, successes & the risks they face. Here’s a 1-minute look back at the year.

[Marc-André Franche @MAFrancheUN]

The @UNSriLanka Country Team met the Minister of Women & Child Affairs Saroja Paulraj to discuss advancing gender equality, women’s empowerment, child protection, & inclusive development, recognizing that sustainable development depends on inclusion of women & girls

[Marc-André Franche @MAFrancheUN]

The @UNSriLanka met new Minister of Land, @KanthaLal, to discuss cooperation on Ministry's priorities: support farmers to break cycle of poverty, data-driven decision-making, strengthen irrigation systems, and find sustainable solutions to conflicts between farmers and wildlife.

[Vijitha Herath @HMVijithaHerath]

Pleased to meet Ms. Ruvendrini Menikdiwela, Assistant High Commissioner (Protection) @Refugees, and Ms. Sanjitha Satyamurthy, Head of National Office UNHCR Sri Lanka, at @MFA_SriLanka yesterday. While acknowledging UNHCR's plans to scale down its operations in Sri Lanka, I expressed my heartfelt appreciation for the invaluable support they extended to us during our most challenging times. Their contributions have made a lasting impact, and we remain grateful.
#UNHCR #SriLanka

[UN in Sri Lanka @UNSriLanka]

Journalists play a vital role in defending human rights, often at great personal risk.

Today @UNSriLanka joined @ColomboUni students for a screening of 'State of Silence'—a powerful film on the courage & resilience of journalists who defend press freedom & speak truth to power.

[UN in Sri Lanka @UNSriLanka]

Human rights belong to all of us.

By protecting human rights, we protect our future, ensuring everyone, everywhere, can live in dignity and respect.

Learn more on today's #HumanRightsDay: https://t.co/3fo2zgJUnR

[UN in Sri Lanka @UNSriLanka]

Young people are driving the fight against corruption, advocating for human rights and a fairer world for all.

Learn how their courage and determination are shaping a future where justice and equality prevail: https://t.co/YstwoQHeOC

#UnitedAgainstCorruption
#IACD2024

[Volker Türk @volker_turk]

This #HumanRightsDay, I call for urgent action to protect #OurRightsOurFuture - right now. Human rights are not just ideals for some - they are justice for all. They are the foundation of our shared existence & the measure of our humanity. Protecting them is protecting ourselves.